The People

As the firm has grown, the concept of “balance” has come to define its staff. Due to the diversity of its work, ESA architects and designers are versatile and highly experienced in every aspect of realizing a building. Moreover, as a mid-sized firm, the distance between clients and individual members of a project team is very short. ESA’s size ensures responsive service and direct principal involvement on every project. This has created a climate in which young designers work closely with seasoned professionals and gain direct exposure to the nuts and bolts of a project.

By its most recent count, 150 design professionals have passed through ESA’s doors over the last 35 years. While some have left for other firms or found their own, many have become part of the foundation of the business. In 2001, Walt and Steve instituted a comprehensive ownership transition plan to take ESA beyond Eckenhoff and Saunders. Greg Trzupek was promoted to Managing Principal in 2003 and Matt Wylie became principal in 2007. This second generation of leadership has taken an active role in managing the firm and planning for the next quarter century.